1999 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 201 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (255 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 145 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 54 L |
